The Couples' Intensive format of rapid treatment was invented by Masters & Johnson Institute for treatment of relationship and sexual distress out of necessity, as initially the Institute was the only available avenue for treatment of sexual concerns. Over the last four decades, hundreds of well qualified sex therapists have been trained and are generally locally available to individuals and couples seeking help.

However, for some, due to work travel or other responsibilities, weekly therapy sessions are problematic, sometimes resulting in slow or non discernable progress which saps motivation and hope. For these individuals and couples, the idea of taking a block of time away from work, family and community obligations to focus exclusively on the relationship, being seen daily and experiencing rapid progress is the preferable format.

Question: How do we know if the 5 day or 10 day Intensive is right for us?

When an individual or couple contacts me, I will set up a telephone call to take a brief account of the problem and make a recommendation. For example, couples who report problems with sexual as well as more extensive relational concerns, sexual trauma, a history in which they were rarely or never able to function sexually, etc. would suggest the 10 day format as more suitable to their needs. Couples whose communication and friendship is reasonably intact and who report a sexual problem of shorter duration or complexity are advised to register for the 5 day format.

Question: What does a typical schedule look like?

Every schedule is individualized, of course. But the following is pretty typical:

Usually I see the couple together on a Monday morning for about an hour to get a joint perspective on the issues. Later that afternoon, I usually spend 2 hours with each partner gaining some individual history (family of origin information, early sexual history, more details about the current problem). The couple is then free for a day of exploration in the St. Louis area.

On Tuesday I see both of you together for an hour or two. In this session, the goal is to give my professional perspective on the problems shared, outlining a treatment program which might include relationship skills such as communication strategies and suggestions to allow each partner to demonstrate caring, and to bring back the emotional closeness. I would also suggest some exercises to carry out in the privacy of your accommodations to help you relax, turn off the mind and "tune in" to your body again. I might also suggest a book or two for those who learn best this way.

On Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday we check in for an hour or two. We'll see how the exercises and other suggestions are going, and add additional structured touching exercises as each phase builds on the previous. With these, you'll learn about focus, relaxation, breath, and other tools to deal with interfering thoughts or problematic emotional states, like anxiety. Touching, beginning with sensual exercises involving the full body, gradually expands, as techniques for managing blocks to full sexual experience are mastered. Additional suggestions for specific sexual distresses are given as appropriate to the presenting problem. For example, in a case of rapid ejaculation, individual exercises are given to help you identify where you are in the sexual response cycle and using a "stop/start" method, to retrain the ejaculatory response. For women who are anorgasmic, individual suggestions might be offered to assist with arousal and learning about their own bodies.

On our final day we'll meet to wrap up, and I'll give you additional suggestions. We'll set up a telephone schedule to process through telephone coaching. Going home can be an exciting and time! Many couples are anxious that progress made in the cocoon of the retreat will be forgotten in the whirl of life's demand, and that old patterns will return. Follow-up coaching calls take care of that! These phone sessions will remind and refocus you.

Follow-up coaching calls of up to 30 minutes each are included in the Intensive package price. We'll do these at one month, three months, six months, and one year following the Intensive phase of our work. Of course, other arrangements can be made, such as a follow-up in one week rather than two.

Question: How are travel and hotel arrangements made?

While couples are responsible for their own transportation and hotel or B&B fees, our travel coordinator, Myra Rowan, mrowan@chichillc.com, will be delighted to assist you.
Question: How much does it cost?
Because couples' intensives are highly individualized, we will determine the price together during our discussions.

Couples "Reconnections" Retreats

Couples "Reconnections" Retreats are for couples who are ready to explore more deeply the possibilities of love and heart connection in their relationship. These long weekend retreats are offered in beautiful, scenic locations around the US and abroad, promoting relaxation and deepening your relationship.

Linda works with teachers from various traditional and intuitive disciplines, such as Kundalini yoga, Thai partner yoga, and other mindfulness practices. The purpose of these partnerships is to equip you with the tools you need to restore and enhance your own presence in self as well as your continued evolution as a couple.

Retreats may include:

• Healing environment of natural beauty
• Guided Thai Yoga Couples' Massage
  
• Training for Enhanced sensitivity through gently guided breath and movement sessions
• Practices of relationship wisdom
• Peace and private time away from daily distractions
• Restorative spas
• Peaceful lodging with breakfast included

Upcoming Retreats

To learn more about upcoming retreats go to our "sister site" at http://www.intimatereconnections.com/upcoming-retreats.html

Also feel free to email me to see what I'm incubating.